Barbie’s influence goes far beyond the Barbiecore fashion aesthetic – the doll has seemingly inspired a trend we’ve dubbed “Barbie-foot heels.” As the nickname suggests, these are sandals, pumps, or mules with clear straps that give the illusion you’re not wearing shoes and instead have permanently arched soles like a Barbie doll. Some call them “naked heels,” as a parallel to the naked-dress resurgence, but to that we say: why not give Mattel and Greta Gerwig a little credit?
Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie has a scene that offers a close-up look as Margot Robbie slips off her character’s fuzzy pink mules to reveal pointed feet. Seeing as the moment became instant meme fodder following the trailer’s release, it’s not too far-fetched to assume folks are itching to mimic the look in real life. Barbie-foot heels not only elongate the legs and visually give you a few extra inches, but they also match with just about any outfit. What’s not to love?
Of course, to officially declare a trend, a significant amount of folks need to be behind it – and the Barbie-foot-heel bandwagon has been steadily gaining supporters ever since summer. While shoes with transparent straps have cycled in and out of style, last popping up around 2018, the recent revival has the approval of celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Chlöe, and yes, even Margot Robbie. Plus, popular brands like Gianvito Rossi, Amina Muaddi, Schutz, and Stuart Weitzman are fueling the obsession with recent releases, and affordable dupes are all over TikTok.
Read ahead to see how stars are styling their own Barbie-foot heels on red carpets, Instagram, and beyond.
